Lauren

Life before Swoop

My love for exploring started at a young age while surrounded by nature during family camping trips in the beautiful countryside of south west England. I regularly visited the Pyrenees for both winter and summer vacations. I also spent time in South Africa seeing family and exploring, taking in my first safari aged just 12!

In 2018 I set off with nothing but a backpack and went to the other side of the world exploring Southeast Asia, starting in the Philippines. I loved the stunning white sands and snorkelling in the crystal blue waters. I continued to travel for over two years, then after an enforced pause due to the pandemic, I took to the skies again, eager to finish my curtailed travels in Australia and New Zealand.

I am now based in Bristol, UK, but when I’m not making music and being creative I’m always planning the next adventure.  

My Antarctic experience

I loved exploring Antarctica at the very start of the season: November. We were one of the first ships to arrive in the peninsula, which was clear from the incredible, pristine landscapes. We had so much snow and were surrounded by the most beautiful icebergs – It was like nature’s own art gallery! I loved zodiac cruising and spotting crabeater seals hauled out onto bergy bits of ice.

At this time of year many penguins are returning to land from the sea, ready to mate and nest. It was magical to watch this migration happen, with the water almost bubbling with all the porpoising penguins passing by. 

Why I love polar travel

One of the many reasons why polar travel is so special is because it is a true adventure. Every day is completely different and nothing is set in stone – you let nature be your guide and make the decisions for you. I also absolutely love meeting the people who make it happen. I have heard some truly awe-inspiring stories from our naturalist expedition team members and felt privileged to have benefited from their knowledge and expertise.  

Day to day at Swoop

I spend my time chatting to people from all over the world who want to experience what Antarctica has to offer. I love these planning conversations and often get just as excited as my clients, especially as I know just how spectacular Antarctica is once you get there! I love finding out more about each person so that I can choose the perfect ship and trip for them.

I believe it is always worth digging a little deeper, to make sure this once in a lifetime trip is everything you hoped for – I love to help make your icy dreams a reality.